 The 2000 population of children 6 years of age
and younger is based on the U.S. Census Bureaus 2000 Summary File 1 (SF
1). The information contained in this report is gathered by the Illinois
Department of Public Healths Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
Elevated blood lead levels (³ 10 mcg/dL) are reported by laboratories,
physicians, hospitals and other health care providers. Non-elevated results
(< 10 mcg/dL) are reported by laboratories. Results on all children 15 years
old or younger are included in this report. Almost all tests (94 percent) are
performed on children 6 years old or younger. The total number of children
screened in the activity summary boxes and total tested column for
2001 and 2002 are the actual numbers reported to the department. These numbers
include children tested for the first time, as well as those being retested.
Where a child has multiple tests, the highest venous result is selected. If
there is no venous test, the highest capillary result is selected. Results of
all blood lead tests must be reported to the Illinois Department of Public
Health's Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program by the directors of
laboratories performing the analyses. Blood lead levels greater than or equal
to 10 mcg/dL must also be reported by physicians, hospital administrators,
local health department administrators and directors of laboratories that do
not perform blood lead analyses. In either case, results must be reported to
the Department's Childhood Lead Poisoning Reporting System at 217-782-0403. The
Childhood Lead Poisoning Surveillance Report provides information by county on
the number of children screened and identified with lead poisoning. The CDC
recommends that children with lead levels at or exceeding 15 mcg/dL be provided
follow-up services. The follow-up services include medical management and case
management. The Illinois Department of Public Health or delegate agencies
(local health departments) provide these services to children residing in
Illinois. Environmental investigations and management may be provided for
children with lead levels at or exceeding 25 mcg/dL, for those with blood lead
levels that persistently lie between 15 and 24 mcg/dL, or at the request of the
child's physician.